What is compete? Pronunciation and usage in English

compete means . Learn how to pronounce and use compete through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of compete

competeverb

/kəmˈpiːt/
Definition & pronunciation of compete

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "compete." Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • kuhm-PEET

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • kuhm: Sounds like "coom" but with a shorter, softer "uh" sound. Think of the "uh" in "but."
  • PEET: This is the tricky part. It rhymes with "beet" or "meet." The "e" is said clearly and distinctly. It's NOT like the "e" in "bed."

British English Pronunciation:

  • kum-PEET

The "kuhm" is slightly softer and less emphasized than in American English.

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Focus on the "PEET" sound: This is often where learners struggle. Practice saying "beet" or "meet" slowly and deliberately.
  • Don't add an extra "uh" The "uh" in "kuhm" is brief and subtle.
  • Listen to native speakers: This is crucial. The best way to learn is to hear the word spoken correctly. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "compete" in and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: (https://forvo.com/word/%C3%A7om%C3%A7ep/) – This site has pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce compete" – you'll find many videos.

Resources to help you practice:

  • YouGlish: https://youglish.com/ – Type in “compete” and it will show you video examples of native speakers using the word in context.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word compete in English

Let's break down how to use the word "compete" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. Basic Meaning: To Strive Against Others

The core meaning of "compete" is to strive against someone else to achieve a goal or win something. It implies rivalry and a desire to be the best.

  • Example: "The athletes compete in the Olympic Games." (They're trying to win medals.)
  • Example: "Small businesses compete with larger corporations for market share." (They're trying to attract customers.)
  • Example: "Students compete for scholarships to fund their education." (They're vying for limited opportunities.)

2. Different Forms & Usage:

  • Competing: This is the present participle, used with helping verbs like "is," "are," "was," "were," "being," and "been."

    • Example: "They are competing for the lead in the race."
    • Example: "She was competing against a much stronger opponent."

  • Competition: This is the noun form, referring to the act or process of competing.

    • Example: "The competition was fierce."
    • Example: “The company faces tough competition in the market.”

  • To compete with: This emphasizes the individual or thing struggling against something else.

    • Example: "He wants to compete with his brother's success."
    • Example: "The new product needs to compete with the existing ones."

  • To compete against: Similar to "to compete with," but can sometimes imply a more direct confrontation.

    • Example: "She competed against her best friend in the spelling bee."

3. Beyond Sports & Business – More General Uses

"Compete" isn't just used for sports and business. It can be used metaphorically to describe any situation where someone is striving for something, even if it’s not a tangible prize.

  • Example: "Ideas compete for attention in a crowded marketplace of information." (Ideas are vying for people's interest.)
  • Example: “My attention was competing between watching the game and finishing my homework.” (Attention is being divided.)
  • Example: “Our values compete with each other sometimes.” (Different values are vying for dominance within someone’s beliefs.)

4. Key Phrases & Idioms

  • To compete for something: “They are competing for a promotion.”
  • To compete in something: "He competed in the chess tournament.”
  • To be a competitor: “She is a fierce competitor.”

Tips for Using "Compete" Effectively:

  • Context is key: Make sure the situation clearly suggests rivalry or striving.
  • Consider the alternative: Sometimes, words like "challenge," "contest," "rival," or "strive" can be stronger substitutes depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "compete" in specific contexts?
  • Explain the difference between "compete" and related words like “challenge” or “contest”?
  • Create a sentence using “compete” that you can practice?

Synonyms for the word compete

Practice with vocabulary compete

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To succeed in the global marketplace, businesses must fiercely ______ for market share and customer loyalty.
  2. Applicants for the prestigious scholarship will have to ______ against hundreds of other highly qualified candidates.
  3. Effective teams often find that they must ______ internally to share resources efficiently, rather than hoarding them.
  4. To stay relevant, companies are constantly encouraged to ______ new products and services that meet evolving consumer needs.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following actions might a company take to succeed in a crowded market? (Select all that apply) a) Compete aggressively on price. b) Withdraw from the market. c) Compete by offering superior customer service. d) Refuse to adapt to new technologies.

  2. When preparing for a job interview for a highly sought-after position, what is an appropriate mindset? (Select all that apply) a) To assume the position is already yours. b) To prepare thoroughly to compete effectively with other candidates. c) To focus solely on your weaknesses. d) To acknowledge that you must compete against others who are also highly qualified.

  3. Which of the following situations describes a scenario where individuals or entities are striving for a common goal, but also potentially against each other? (Select all that apply) a) Students competing for top grades in a rigorous course. b) Researchers collaborating on an interdisciplinary project. c) Departments competing for limited internal funding. d) A nation's athletes competing for Olympic medals.

  4. The two political parties consistently ______ over key policy issues in parliament. (Select all that apply) a) contend b) cooperate c) vie d) concede

  5. Employees are encouraged to ______ for excellence in their project delivery, focusing on quality and efficiency. a) settle b) strive c) abandon d) resist

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The top software firms are fiercely vying for market dominance in cloud computing. Rewrite:
  2. Original: To be successful in this highly saturated market requires innovative strategies and aggressive pricing. Rewrite:
  3. Original: Our team members always try to achieve their personal bests in every project. Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. compete
  2. compete
  3. collaborate
  4. innovate

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) Compete aggressively on price. c) Compete by offering superior customer service.
  2. b) To prepare thoroughly to compete effectively with other candidates. d) To acknowledge that you must compete against others who are also highly qualified.
  3. a) Students competing for top grades in a rigorous course. c) Departments competing for limited internal funding. d) A nation's athletes competing for Olympic medals.
  4. a) contend c) vie
  5. b) strive

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The top software firms fiercely compete for market dominance in cloud computing.
  2. To compete successfully in this highly saturated market, businesses need innovative strategies and aggressive pricing.
  3. Our team members always strive to achieve their personal bests in every project.

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